Jill Ekis balances her intense career as a helicopter flight nurse with a deep passion for dressage and horses. Motivated by a personal family tragedy in 2002, she pursued trauma medicine and emergency care, ultimately joining STAT MedEvac to provide critical mid-air patient care. Despite the high-stress nature of her job, Ekis finds fulfillment in knowing she can make a difference during emergencies. Off-duty, her life revolves around her 25-year-old Arabian gelding, MS Fires Comet, and her family’s equestrian activities, including supporting her daughter’s vaulting pursuits.

Ekis’ love for dressage grew from watching her son ride and evolved into competing through third level with Comet, earning recognition in the U.S. dressage Federation. She is now focused on becoming a dressage technical delegate and actively contributes to the sport through committee work and upcoming conventions. Recently shifting to part-time nursing, Ekis plans to dedicate more time to horses and personal enjoyment, including possibly returning to competition with Comet and completing her technical delegate certification.